Friday, January 04, 2008

My life is fixing to change...........

Changes. Changes are often difficult; yet, as we live on this old earth we will face changes. Changes. Our children grow up. We move to a new location. Loved ones die or move away. Changes.

King Solomon talked about changes in Ecclesiastes 3:

1 To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to
every purpose under the heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

The past few years have brought about many changes in my life and in our family. We moved back to Georgia after living in Florida for seven years. I went back to college. Paul decided to start attending public school. Now, I am getting ready to start Student Teaching next Monday. Changes.

I have been telling Mark that my life is changing again and I am not sure if I am ready for the changes. I wish I could slow down time. I wish I had the years back when Christi, Bobby, Michael and Paul were babies. I would live this live again because despite the sorrow, my God has never left me.

There were times when I felt alone and forsaken but looking back I see that I was never alone. God always surrounded me with his loving children who took our family under their wings and displayed the love of God in our lives.

People will fail and disappoint but God never fails. He uses those sorrows to shape and mold us into his image. The point of our lives is to display the love of Christ to those around us.

Change is like the seasons. Winter must come before the spring. Summer's heat gives way to fall's breeze and coolness. Our lives are like those seasons. We have to embrace each one in order to be ready for the next.

I wish I could homeschool my sons again. I would do it so differently. I would focus only on them. I wouldn't be consumed with the minor things of life. I wouldn't worry about tomorrow but I would see the joy in every moment spent with them.

Life is so very precious. Our children, family and friends are so very precious. We need to live our lives with no regret for the words we speak, or the thoughts we have. We need to keep our hearts and minds focused on Christ and his desire for us.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Debbie,

What a wonderful post!...and, so true! I know my life is changing so quickly lately...new home, new job, daughter growing and getting ready to grow up even more! But, it is always a joy to know that the Lord is with us through these changes...helping us deal, and helping us "go with the flow."

Good luck with your student teaching! I will be praying for you!!

Anonymous said...

(((Debbie)))

Kearsmom said...

You may not have meant to...but you have really encouraged me! I've been sitting here working on lesson plans to get back to school on Monday. You just reminded me of what my priorities are. Thanks! Praying for you, sweet friend!

Deborah said...

I love you!!
Reading those words makes me feel like we are sitting at your table on Billy Pyle...that was 16 years ago.
You are a precious friend.
Your love will continue to touch and impact other lives through your sons and through your students. God is making you richer by the minute!
I personally think you did a GREAT job educating your boys...look at the fruit.
Think of me when you have your next hot, perfect cup of coffee.
hugs..
Deborah

Noel said...

I will be praying for you as you go through all of these changes.

I read in a book called "Wild at Heart" that the unknown, or those things that are going to change in our lives, in a way are exciting. The author viewed these as the beginning of a new and wonderful new page in our lives. He viewed not knowing each detail as individual surprises to us from God. God has not forgotten, and has not lost control, He has wonderful things in store for your life. I can't wait to see all that is waiting for you Mrs. Debbie!

Love you,
Noel

Anonymous said...

I have no idea how you feel right now but I know that you can get through it!! You are an amazing women and I have always looked up to you and admired you! Just like in Hebrews 13:5 GOD says'
"I will never leave you, nor forsake you!" He knew we were going to face changes so he is going to be there!
Thank you for being such a wonderful example and you will be in my prayers and thoughts always! You will do great with your student teaching! You are great with kids!
Hope to see you some time soon!
Leah-Joy.

r said...

((((Debbie)))) I'm catching up on blog reading today and yours has me stopping and really thinking about life.

r said...

((((Debbie)))) I am trying to catch up on blog reading today. Great post!